The coyote, Canis latrans, is a highly adaptable canid that has successfully colonized nearly all of North and Central America, thriving even in urban environments. Its success is due to its generalist nature and physical characteristics. Understanding the specific visual markers of this creature is the most reliable way to identify it in the wild and distinguish it from other canids.
Overall Build and Size
The coyote is a medium-sized canine with a lean, almost slender build, often appearing somewhat lanky. Adult weight typically falls between 20 and 50 pounds, with geographic location influencing size. Northern and eastern subspecies tend to be larger than their desert counterparts in the south.
Its height at the shoulder usually ranges from 1.5 to 2 feet (18 to 24 inches), similar in size to a medium domestic dog. The overall body length, including the tail, averages around 40 to 54 inches. This moderate size and narrow frame contribute to the coyote’s light and agile movements.
Critical Features for Identification
The coyote’s coat is generally grayish-brown or yellowish-gray, with the throat and belly appearing much lighter, often white or buff-colored. The fur is coarse, consisting of a soft underfur and long, black-tipped guard hairs that create a grizzled look, particularly along the back and tail. In colder regions, coyotes develop a thicker winter coat, making them appear slightly bulkier than their lean summer form.
Distinct features of the head include a narrow and pointed muzzle and eyes that are typically yellowish with round pupils. The ears are large, triangular, and stand prominently upright, often appearing disproportionately large. This structure aids in their acute hearing for locating small prey.
The most telling feature is the tail, which is long, bushy, and characteristically held low, often drooping below the back when the animal is moving. The tail often has a black tip and a distinctive dark spot near the base on the upper side, marking the supracaudal scent gland. Unlike domestic dogs, a coyote rarely carries its tail curled or held high over its back.
Comparison to Other Wild Canids
Coyotes are often mistaken for the gray wolf or various species of fox, but distinct visual differences provide clear identification markers. The primary distinction from a wolf is size; a coyote is significantly smaller and more lightly built, typically weighing less than half as much as a mature wolf. A coyote also has a narrower, more refined muzzle, proportionally larger ears, and smaller feet compared to the broad snout and massive paws of a wolf.
The tail carriage is another reliable visual cue, as wolves generally carry their tails horizontally, while a coyote’s tail droops low. Compared to a fox, the coyote is noticeably larger and more robust, with longer legs. While bushy, a coyote’s tail lacks the fox’s characteristic long, white tip, which is prominent on the Red Fox.